The Hidden Effects
Neck injuries are common in fall sports and they often have hidden effects that can be overlooked. These injuries, including concussions, have become a significant topic of mainstream conversation. As the football season begins, this issue is gaining even more attention.
| Sport | Changes / Concerns |
|---|---|
| Football | Lawsuit by ex-NFL players over mental health issues. New rules limiting contact during practices in pee-wee football. |
| Cycling | Reports the highest number of head traumas to emergency rooms each year, almost double that of football. |
| Hockey, Soccer, Wrestling, Field Hockey, Baseball, Softball, Basketball | Increase in reported head injuries from 2008 to 2009. |
| Military | Concerns over combat training procedures raising chances of head injuries. |
Check Your Neck
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Issue
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Description
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Damage to Neck
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Often overlooked in head injuries. Signs can manifest days, weeks, months, or even years later.
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Whiplash Effect
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Characterized by rapid forward-backward motion, frequently accompanies head injuries but often downplayed or dismissed.
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Severe Neck Injuries
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Can lead to paralysis. An example is a teenage football player who led a tackle with his head, ended up breaking his neck but his head was not injured.
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Less Severe Neck Injuries
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May not lead to paralysis but can lead to pressure on nerves, affecting health in various ways.
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Symptoms and Side Effects of Head and Neck Injuries
| Injury | Long-Term Effects | Additional Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash & Concussion | Depression, Memory loss, Fatigue, Mood swings, Headaches | Chronic instability, Damage to ligaments and nerves, Long-lasting impacts even after pain subsides |
Treatment Options
Effective treatment is crucial to mitigate the long-term effects of head and neck injuries and to ensure optimal recovery. At Gard Wellness Center, we offer a variety of treatments to cater to individual needs and conditions.
| Treatment | Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Therapy | Uses amplified light to penetrate deep tissues | Aids with conditions like tendonitis, post-surgical healing, neuropathy, scar reduction, etc. |
| Massage Therapy | Applies a range of therapeutic massage techniques | Assists with pain management, stress relief, improved circulation, increased mobility and flexibility |
| Infrared Sauna | Uses light energy to provide therapeutic benefits | Helps with detoxification, heart health, muscle recovery, immunity boost, weight loss, relaxation |
Chiropractic Care for Neck Injuries
Chiropractic care is a proven and effective treatment for neck injuries. It can help restore the normal movement and position of the vertebrae in the neck, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. At Gard Wellness Center, our team of experienced chiropractors can provide personalized care plans based on your specific condition and needs.
| Treatment | Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Spinal Adjustments | Corrects misalignments in the neck | Reduces pain, improves mobility |
| Rehabilitation Exercises | Strengthens neck muscles | Prevents further injury, improves stability |
| Ergonomic Advice | Corrects posture and lifestyle habits | Prevents recurring injuries, promotes overall spinal health |
Don’t let neck injuries put a halt to your active lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss your treatment options.
Prevention and Lifestyle Care
To prevent future injuries and maintain long-term health, lifestyle care is essential. The Lifestyle Care Continuum at Gard Wellness Center can help you correct and protect spine and nervous system subluxations that can affect the health of muscles, ligaments, and vital organs.
| Lifestyle Care Continuum Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Crisis Care | Provides relief for spinal injuries |
| Critical Transition | Minimizes long-term effects of injuries |
| Chiropractic Lifestyle Care | Protects the spine and nerves, enhancing function and reducing future injury risks |
In Conclusion
Head and neck injuries can have serious and long-lasting effects. Prevention, early detection, and effective treatment are critical. If you or a loved one has ever sustained even a mild head or neck injury, consider your long-term health and get your spine and nerve system checked at Gard Wellness Center. The damage from the injury may not surface for years, but your ability to protect your long-term health and well-being begins now.
Contact Gard Wellness Center today and schedule your appointment for a comprehensive health check-up.
The Lifestyle Care Continuum
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Care Stage
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Description
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Crisis Care
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Provides relief for spinal injuries
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Critical Transition
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Minimizes long-term effects of injuries
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Lifestyle Care
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Protects the spine and nerves, enhances function, and reduces future injury risks
|
References:
1.http://nflconcussionlitigation.com/
2.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/sports/pop-warner-football-limits-contact-in-practices.html
3.http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Sports-Related%20Head%20Injury.aspx
4.http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/01/28/concussions-effects–may-linger-for-decades
5.http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=197667
6.http://windcitypt.com/files/2011/07/Sterling_predictors_of_outcomes_post_WAD.pdf
Contributed By Aryn Gabai, D.C., C.A.C.C.P.
Copyright 2014. The Family Practice, Inc., Dr. Eric Plasker and The 100 Year Lifestyle. All Rights Reserved.
This article is provided by Gard Wellness Center your 100 Year Lifestyle Affiliate Chiropractor in Cary NC
